The County of Dukes County manages State Beach under a grant program administered by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The County is aided by the Friends of Sengekontacket (FOS) who have played a leading role in the management.

In spring of 2013 we planted 20,000 sq ft of beach grass to replenish the loss due to dredge spoils from prior year and after we added 1,500 cubic yards of sand it two areas identified as in critical need for renourishment after Hurricane Sandy in fall of 2012. Some beach grass was also planted around the entrances wident due to pedestrian trafic and along a handicap boardwalk that was washed away and repositioned back. We roped off all the washed over areas in hopes of the beach grass will come back and I am happy to report that most of it did. We are planning to plant more beach grass in the fall of 2013 in areas where beach grass did not recover but was established historically.

Martina Thornton

County Manager

In 2011 we planted, with the assistance of volunteers, 25 rosa ragosa's, 25 beach plums and 50 bundles of beach grass at various locations. The County greatfully acknowledges the asistance from Patrick Parker (FOS) and Brian Kennedy.